Oh man, this is why I love Stephen King!

[Analog6]

In the introductions of one of the graphic novel collections of the Dark Tower comics (can't remember which one), King also discussed going back in time to prevent the killing of JFK.

"I'd like to tell a time-travel story where this guy finds a diner that connects to 1958... you always go back to the same day. So one day he goes back and just stays. Leaves his 2007 life behind. His goal? To get up to November 22, 1963, and stop Lee Harvey Oswald. He does, and he's convinced he's just FIXED THE WORLD. But when he goes back to '07, the world's a nuclear slag-heap. Not good to fool with Father Time. So then he has to go back again and stop himself... only he's taken on a fatal dose of radiation, so it's a race against time."

And yeah, Dead Zone is awesome. Such a simple idea, but oh, the places King takes you with it.

I have another book that is a take on a similar theme. It's called Replay by Ken Grimwood and won the 1988 World Fantasy Award. Basically about a guy who is in a time loop. But on one of his loops LHO does not kill JFK, but someone else does! He finds as his replays go on that he cannot change any major events that have occurred in the world. It's a very good book.

And yes, I think The Dead Zone is SK's best book. A big call, I know, but his characterisations are so marvellous - what I like best about his novels - you can see how Johnny's thoughts are slowly changed and how he justifies himself. I like Rose Madder for the same reasons - his insights into the inner workings of our psyches is terrific.

[J.T. Adams]

I thought the love story in the beginning was very well told from a beautiful man's heart, never hear much about that from people.

[Patricia A]

I thought the love story in the beginning was very well told from a beautiful man's heart, never hear much about that from people.

Dead Zone is one of my top 5 favorite books (by anyone) of all time.

It definitely is a love story, no question.
It's a tragic love story, one where two people love each other but can't be together.
Love that can't be satisfied is a huge part of what moves this story.
Johnny would never be the same man he was before the accident, and that broke his heart. Even a comforting hug might turn into a painful ordeal.
The whole dynamic of life, love and liberty became something too hard to navigate for him and yet he kept on trying.
He kept loving and caring no matter how much it hurt him.

I'd kinda like to buy him a coffee and danish some day and just let him vent.


It may be time for a re-read, thanks for the reminder.

[blunthead]

Welcome to the board, Analog6! Keep posting!

I know sK has said The Dead Zone is one of his personal favorites. It's the one I give to folks who are interested in giving him a try.

[jkcrue]

This is such an underrated book. No one ever talks about The Dead Zone as being one of their favourites when you ask people. A great tragedy and love story like others have said.